The Star Ledger reports New York Giants head coach Jim Fassel said WR Tony Simmons could be made active for Sundayís game. Fassel said he has absorbed enough of the teamís offense to be ready if needed.

According to the Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis Colts WR Terrence Wilkins remains questionable for Sunday and he did not practice yesterday. He still is being bothered by a rib injury. As previously reported, WR Jerome Pathon looks to be out this weekend. That might result in rookie Reggie Wayne making his first NFL start and recently acquired Tony Simmons seeing some action.

Nick Cafardo reports for the Boston Globe after being kicked off the practice field by coach Bill Belichick last season, New England Patriots WR Tony Simmons is looking to turn it around this year. Simmons was offered a chance to go play for Barcelona in NFL Europe this spring, he did and he performed well. He was a leader in Barcelona, something he has not done in New England. He's returned from Europe a much different man. The confidence has returned to his game. Simmons thinks the Europe experience gave the Patriots - and other teams - a chance to evaluate his skills.

Patriots.com reports New England Patriots WR Tony Simmons, who has struggled in the NFL the past few years, is hoping his NFL Europe production will lead to another shot at making an impact with the Patriots. Simmons exploded over the weekend with a 9-catch, 141 yard, 2 TD performance.

According to the Boston Herald, Patriots coach Bill Belichick said the addition of QB Damon Huard in no way means the team has given up on backup QB Michael Bishop. He said the there will be competition in training camp and the one that does the best will be the No. 2 QB the other the No. 3 QB. Tom Brady is the team's No. 4 QB, but its not certain the team will carry four QBs this season. Regarding the NFL Draft, there is considerable talk that the Patriots are trying to trade down in the first round in exchange for additional picks. WR Tony Simmons will focus on being more physical during his stint in NFL Europe. WR Sean Morey will focus on cornerback first, special teams second and wide receiver third while in NFL Europe.

Patriots.com reports in an effort to improve his skills, WR Tony Simmons expects to have a chance to play extensively in NFL Europe. Simmons is in the last year of his 3-year contract and realizes he has to show vast improvement if he wants to stay with the Patriots organization after 2 straight disappointing seasons.

The Boston Herald reports New England Patriots WR Tony Simmons, who had some problems last season with the team, said Wednesday he welcomes the opportunity to play in NFL Europe. "It's good. I kind of asked for it," said Simmons. He realizes his route-running is still lacking and that he needs to be more physical as a WR. Simmons said he has yet to talk with coach Bill Belichick and clear the air over his tumultuous 2000 season. Given his cap situation, a relatively cheap $427,000 base salary and a $621,000 total cap hit, he could be back with the team if he shows promise for the future. He is also aware last year's behavior may cost him a roster spot this season.

The Boston Herald reports New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick isn't ready to declare TE Jermaine Wiggins as the Patriots TE of the future and said he sees him as more of a role player right now. However, Belichick said with continued improvement Wiggins could become an every-down tight end for the Patriots. WR Tony Simmons was given his practice equipment back earlier in the week and was allowed to rejoin the team in practice.

Dan Pires, of The (New Bedford, Mass.) Standard-Times, as a follow up to prior reports, has informed KFFL Patriots WR Tony Simmons is still officially a member of team. At his Friday press conference, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick flatly refused to elaborate on Simmons' current situation and future except to say that "it will be handled internally." Reportedly, Simmons had a poor practice on Wednesday and was temporarily barred from practicing the team, and, as a result, Simmons' locker was completely emptied out after the practice session. At the end of the daily media interview session Simmons re-emerged in the Pats lockerroom on Friday, well after Belichick spoke, but was not in practice gear. Simmons, however, did address the media very briefly but did not offer very much, simply reiterating what Belichick said earlier and admitting the wrongdoing on his behalf.

The Boston Herald, as an update to earlier reports, states it appears WR Tony Simmons is all but officially cut from the Patriots. While he did attend team meetings, the team is sending a message and making the struggling Simmons an example because he's failed to step up or even try to step up. He's unlikely to remain with the team.

The troubled have continued for New England Patriots WR Tony Simmons. The Associated Press reports the team has taken all of his equipment and banned him from practice. There is no indication as to how long the ban will continue. Head coach Bill Belichick was unhappy with Simmons play in practice earlier this week.

The Boston Globe reports sources say WR Tony Simmons might be next on the cut list, and practice squad receiver Sean Morey finally may get his shot. The Patriots elected not to activate Simmons for the game in Detroit, a sign that his days in New England may be few.

According to the Boston Herald, the Patriots are starting to look quite fondly on second-year WR Tony Simmons. Once thought of as a developmental player, the team now thinks he's added quite a bit more polish with only one season under his belt. "Having a year in the system makes a big difference," head coach Pete Carroll stated. "He's using his speed better and seems to be flying off the ball. He's more confident in what he's being asked to do and he's more disciplined."

Patriots WR Troy Brown tells the Providence Journal that he is almost 100% recovered from his 1998 ankle injury and that he is looking forward to the 1999 season. With Terry Glenn and Shawn Jefferson looking like the starters, Brown will be competing with Vincent Brisby, Tony Simmons, Anthony Ladd and others for the #3, #4 and #5 WR slots on the team. "My goals are to be the best third-down receiver and punt returner in the NFL," he said. "Those are my roles here, and I intend to keep them." There has been talk of rookie Kevin Faulk taking on the punt returners role, but Brown says, "nobody said anything to me about that, so far as I'm concerned, the only way he can get the job is for the coaches to give it to him. Otherwise, it's mine."